Curved display and electronic device including the same

ABSTRACT

A curved display including an external protective layer with an edge at least a part of which has a certain curvature, an opaque layer disposed at the edge of the external protective layer, and a panel module layer including an electrode trace area aligned under the opaque layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.10-2014-0116501, filed on Sep. 2, 2014, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Aspects of exemplary embodiments relate to an electronic device having acurved display area.

2. Background

A conventional electronic device, such as a smartphone, provides a flatscreen related to various user functions.

To extend a display area of such conventional electronic device, thesize of a flat display area should be increased, causing an increase inthe overall size of the electronic device. Such an increase in size maydegrade the portability of an electronic device, particularly, a mobileelectronic device, such as a smartphone.

SUMMARY

Aspects of exemplary embodiments are directed to providing a displayhaving a curved display area, to extend a display area while maintaininga certain size, and an electronic device including the same.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided amobile electronic device including a display comprising a flat surfacearea and a curved surface area extending from the flat area as one piecetherewith, the curved surface area being bent towards one side of theflat area, the curved surface area having a size smaller than a size ofthe flat area; and a case disposed along a periphery of the display, atleast a part of the case protruding over an edge of the curved surfacearea, wherein the display includes: an external protective layer formedin a shape corresponding to the flat area and the curved surface area,an opaque area disposed at a part of an edge of the curved surface areaunder the external protective layer, and a panel module disposed underthe external protective layer, the panel module comprising a displayarea and a non-display area, the display area being disposed over theflat area and a first part of the curved surface area, the non-displayarea being disposed at a second part of the curved surface area otherthan the first part of the curved surface area, and the opaque layercovers an entirety of the non-display area with respect to a verticaldirection to the flat area at the edge of the curved surface area.

According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided amobile electronic device including a display comprising a flat surfacearea and a curved surface area extending from the flat area as one piecetherewith, the curved surface area being bent towards one side of theflat area, the curved surface area having a size smaller than a size ofthe flat area and a case disposed along a periphery of the display, atleast a part of the case protruding over an edge of the curved surfacearea, wherein the display includes an external protective layer formedin a shape corresponding to the flat area and the curved surface areaand a panel module disposed under the external protective layer, thepanel module comprising a display area and a non-display area, thedisplay area being disposed over the flat area and a first part of thecurved area, the non-display area being disposed at a second part of thecurved area other than the first part of the curved surface area, andwherein an end of the panel module comprising at least a part of thenon-display area extends further than an end of the curved surface areaof the external protective layer and configured to be inserted into asupport groove formed in one side of the case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a front side of an electronic deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a side of an electronic deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a magnified view of a side of a curved surface part accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a magnified view of a side of a curved surface part accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a second curved surface support partaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a front view of a part of anelectronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of an electronicdevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating element arrangement of an electronicdevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates falling states of an electronic device according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a case on which a display is placed according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a part of an electronic device in which a reinforcingmember is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a part of an electronic device in which a shockabsorbing member is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates examples of the shape of a curved surface partaccording to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates an electronic device having a symmetric curvedsurface structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a reinforcing structure of an electronic devicehaving a symmetric curved surface structure according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a wearable device including a curved surface displayarea according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is notlimited to the specific exemplary embodiments, but rather includesvarious modifications, equivalents and/or alternatives of the exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure. Regarding description of thedrawings, like reference numerals may refer to like elements.

The term “have”, “may have”, “include”, “may include” or “comprise” usedherein indicates the existence of a corresponding feature (e.g., anumber, a function, an operation, or an element) and does not excludethe existence of an additional feature.

The term “A or B”, “at least one of A and/or B”, or “one or more of Aand/or B” may include all possible combinations of items listedtogether. For example, the term “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, or“at least one of A or B” may indicate all the cases of (1) including atleast one A, (2) including at least one B, and (3) including at leastone A and at least one B.

The term “first”, “second” or the like used herein may modify variouselements regardless of order and/or priority, but does not limit theelements. Such terms may be used to distinguish one element from anotherelement. For example, “a first user device” and “a second user device”may indicate different user devices regardless of order or priority. Forexample, without departing the scope of the present disclosure, a firstelement may be referred to as a second element and vice versa.

It will be understood that when a certain element (e.g., a firstelement) is referred to as being “operatively or communicatively coupledwith/to” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), thecertain element may be coupled to the other element directly or viaanother element (e.g., a third element). However, when a certain element(e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “directly coupled” or“directly connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), theremay be no intervening element (e.g., a third element) between theelement and the other element.

The term “configured (or set) to” may be interchangeably used with theterm, for example, “suitable for”, “having the capacity to”, “designedto”, “adapted to”, “made to”, or “capable of”. The term “configured (orset) to” may not necessarily have the meaning of “specifically designedto”. In some cases, the term “device configured to” may indicate thatthe device “may perform” together with other devices or components. Forexample, the term “processor configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C”may represent a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) forperforming a corresponding operation, or a generic-purpose processor(e.g., a CPU or an application processor) for executing at least oneitem of software or program stored in a memory device to perform acorresponding operation.

The terminology used herein is not for delimiting the presentdisclosure, but is for describing specific exemplary embodiments. Theterms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwisespecified. The terms used herein, including technical or scientificterms, have the same meanings as would be understood by those skilled inthe art. Commonly-used terms defined in a dictionary may be interpretedas having meanings that are the same as or similar to contextualmeanings defined in the related art, and should not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless otherwise defined explicitly.Depending on cases, even the terms defined herein should not be suchinterpreted as to exclude the exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

An electronic device according to exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure may include at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personalcomputer (PC), a mobile phone, a video telephone, an electronic bookreader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3player, a mobile medical device, a camera or a wearable device (e.g.,smartglasses, a head-mounted device (HMD), electronic apparel, anelectronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic appcessory,an electronic tattoo or a smartwatch).

In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic device may be a smart homeappliance. The smart home appliance may include at least one of, forexample, a TV, a DVD player, an audio, a refrigerator, an airconditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, anair cleaner, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a securitycontrol panel, a TV box (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or GoogleTV™), a game console (e.g., Xbox™, PlayStation™), an electronicdictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, or an electronic pictureframe.

In another exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may include atleast one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medicalmeasurement devices: a blood glucose measuring device, a heart ratemeasuring device, a blood pressure measuring device, or a bodytemperature measuring device), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA),magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), a scanner,or an ultrasonic device), a navigation device, a global positioningsystem (GPS) receiver, an event data recorder (EDR), a flight datarecorder (FDR), a vehicle infotainment device, electronic equipment forvessels (e.g., a navigation system or a gyrocompass), avionics, asecurity device, a head unit for a vehicle, an industrial or home robot,an automatic teller's machine (ATM), a point of sales (POS) of a store,or an Internet of things device (e.g., a bulb, various sensors, anelectric or gas meter, a sprinkler, a fire alarm, a thermostat, astreetlamp, a toaster, exercise equipment, a hot water tank, a heater,or a boiler).

According to exemplary embodiments, the electronic device may include atleast one of a part of furniture or a building/structure, an electronicboard, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or ameasuring instrument (e.g., a water meter, an electricity meter, a gasmeter, or a wave meter). In the exemplary embodiments, the electronicdevice may be one or more combinations of the above-mentioned devices.In the exemplary embodiments, the electronic device may be a flexibledevice. The electronic device according to the present disclosure is notlimited to the above-mentioned devices, and may include new electronicdevices with the development of technology.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to exemplary embodimentswill be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The term“user” used herein may refer to a person who uses an electronic deviceor may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial electronic device) thatuses an electronic device.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a front side of an electronic deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

An electronic device 100 described below may include a housing (e.g., acase). The housing may include an opening (e.g., an edge area of theelectronic device 100) with a first side (e.g., a curved surface part)extending in a first direction (e.g., a right or left edge directionwith respect to a front side of the electronic device 100) in at least apart of a surface of the housing. The electronic device 100 may includea substantially transparent external protective layer (e.g., glass)including a first edge (e.g., a glass edge) that is disposed within theopening and extends in the first direction while being adjacent to thefirst side. The glass edge may be a curved surface, also hereindescribed below as a first curved surface. The electronic device 100 mayinclude a panel module layer having a second edge (e.g., an edge of apanel module) that is disposed within the opening, bent to conform withthe curved first surface, and extending in the first direction whilebeing adjacent to the first side. The panel module layer may be aflexible panel module layer including a non-display area, at which noimage is displayed, that extends in the first direction along the secondedge and has a first width in a vertical direction to the firstdirection. Furthermore, the electronic device 100 may include an opaquelayer disposed within the opening, the opaque layer being interposedbetween the external protective layer and the panel module layer. Theopaque layer may extend in the first direction while being adjacent tothe first side, and the opaque layer may include a second width in avertical direction to the first direction. The second width of theopaque layer may have such a dimension that at least a part of thenon-display area in a direction of the first width is covered by theopaque layer. The opaque layer may include, for example, a black matrix.

According to exemplary embodiments, the panel module layer may include afirst face facing the external protective layer and a second face facingaway from the external protective layer, and the electronic device 100may further include a sealing layer (e.g., a protective member) at aside of the second face.

The electronic device 100 may further include a touch sensing layer(e.g., a touch sheet or screen) that is bent to conform with the firstsurface. The touch sensing layer may have a third edge (e.g., an edge ofa touch sheet) adjacent to the first edge, and is interposed between theexternal protective layer and a display layer. In the electronic device100, the external protective layer further includes a substantially flatsecond surface extending from the first surface. Furthermore, in theelectronic device 100, the opaque layer may be positioned to furthercover a part of a display area of the panel module layer adjacent to thenon-display area.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the electronic device 100 according to exemplaryembodiments may include a display 150 (e.g., including the externalprotective layer, the flexible panel module layer (e.g., including thetouch sensing layer (touch sheet), or the touch sensing layer isseparately disposed), and the opaque layer) at least one side edge ofwhich has a curved shape (or a curved display area), a speaker 143disposed at one or more sides of the display, a key button 141, and acase 200 (e.g., the housing).

The display 150 (e.g., at least one of glass (e.g., the externalprotective layer), a panel module (e.g., the panel module layer orflexible panel module layer), an electromagnetic induction panel, and aheat-dissipating sheet) may include, for example, a first curved surfacepart 151, a flat surface part 153, and a second curved surface part 155.The first curved surface part 151 and the second curved surface part 155may have different curvatures. According to an exemplary embodiment, thearea of the first curved surface part 151 may be smaller than that ofthe second curved surface part 155. According to various embodiments,the first curved surface part 151 and the second curved surface part 155may have the same curvature, and may be symmetrically arranged withrespect to a center line of the flat surface part 153. Edges of thefirst and second curved surface parts 151 and 155 may be supported byone side of the case 200. The opaque layer disposed under glass and thenon-display area disposed at an edge of the panel module may bevertically aligned at an edge of at least one of the first and secondcurved surface parts 151 and 155. Accordingly, a display area of anextended panel module may be disposed at an outermost edge of at leastone of the first and second curved surface parts 151 and 155.

The case 200 may be generally shaped like a polygon (e.g., aquadrangle), and may cover an exterior of the display 150. According toan exemplary embodiment, the case 200 may have an edge extending alongan exterior of the display 150, at least one side edge of which having acurved surface shape. According to an exemplary embodiment, the case 200may include a built-in battery type. Alternatively, the case 200 mayinclude a detachable battery type. In the case of the battery detachabletype, the case 200 may include a case described below (e.g., a frontcase (integrated with a rear case), or a front case and a rear case) anda battery cover. According to exemplary embodiments, the case 200 mayinclude an opening (e.g., a left or right edge area) including a firstside (e.g., a curved surface part), at least a part of which is flat,and at least a part of a surface of which extends in a first direction(e.g., at least one of a left-side direction and a right-side directionwith respect to a center of the case 200).

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a side of the electronic deviceaccording to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the electronic device 100 may include the display150, a first case 210 (e.g., a front case), and a second case 220 (e.g.,a rear case or a battery cover covering the rear case).

As described above, the display 150 may include the first curved surfacepart 151, the flat surface part 153, and the second curved surface part155. The first curved surface part 151 may have a curvature differentthan that of the second curved surface part 155. The second curvedsurface part 155 may be contiguous to an end of the flat surface part153 and may be bent according to a certain curvature. An end of thefirst curved surface part 151 may contact one side of the first case210. An end of the second curved surface part 155 may contact anotherside of the first case 210.

The first case 210 may include a first curved surface support part 211,a flat surface support part 213, and a second curved surface supportpart 215. The first case 210 may be provided as a metal frame in whichthe first curved surface support part 211, the flat surface support part213, and the second curved surface support part 215 are formed as onecontinuous piece. According to exemplary embodiments, the first curvedsurface support part 211, the flat surface support part 213, and thesecond curved surface support part 215 may be individually provided tobe joined to each other. The first case 210 may be made of, for example,a metallic material (or non-metallic material), such as SUS, an aluminumalloy, or a magnesium alloy.

The first curved surface support part 211 may cover an end of the firstcurved surface part 151, while supporting a bottom of the first curvedsurface part 151 having a relatively low curvature. According toexemplary embodiments, an end of the first curved surface support part211 may protrude over the first curved surface part 151 to preventdamage to the first curved surface part 151 while covering the firstcurved surface part 151. Furthermore, the first curved surface supportpart 211 may protrude by a predetermined length over an end of the firstcurved surface part 151 in an outward direction (a direction in whichthe first curved part 151 extends from the flat part 153). A protrudingarea of the first curved surface support part 211 may be, for example,rounded. According to exemplary embodiments, at least a part of theprotruding area of the first curved surface support part 211 may beprovided with a shock absorbing member (e.g., a non-metallic member,such as rubber or polyurethane, or a metallic member, such as a shockabsorbing mesh or bumper) disposed in a longitudinal direction ortransverse direction of the case.

The flat surface support part 213 may be disposed under the flat surfacepart 153 of the display 150 to support the flat surface part 153. Abattery lower part insertion hole with a certain size, related toinsertion of a battery, may be defined in a certain inner area of theflat surface support part 213. A center of the battery lower partinsertion hole may be biased towards, for example, the first curvedsurface support part 211. According to exemplary embodiments, thebattery lower part insertion hole may extend over the flat surfacesupport part 213 and a part of the first curved surface support part211. The flat surface support part 213 may include at least one sidewallsupporting at least a part of a center or an edge of the flat surfacesupport part 153, and a certain part of the inside of the flat surfacesupport part 213 may be dented.

The second curved surface support part 215 may cover an end of thesecond curved surface part 155, while supporting a bottom of the secondcurved surface part 155 having a relatively high curvature. Here, thesecond curved surface support part 215 may have a relatively highcurvature compared to the first curved surface support part 211.Furthermore, the second curved surface support part 215 may be taperedin a direction to an end (e.g., a direction in which the second curvedsurface part 155 extends from the flat surface part 153), to support thehigh curvature of the second curved surface part 155. According toexemplary embodiments, an end of the second curved surface support part215 may protrude over a surface of the second curved surface part 155 toprevent damage to the second curved surface part 155. For example, thesecond curved surface support part 215 may have a cross section shapedlike a hook, and may have a rounded edge. According to exemplaryembodiments, at least one of inner and outer sides of the end of thesecond curved surface support part 215 shaped like a hook may beprovided with a shock absorbing member (e.g., a non-metallic member,such as rubber or polyurethane, or a metallic member, such as a shockabsorbing mesh or bumper) disposed in a longitudinal direction ortransverse direction of the case.

The second case 220 may be a rear case supporting the bottom of thefirst case 210 or a battery cover covering a rear case. The second case220 may be formed by metal injection molding or non-metal injectionmolding, such as plastic injection molding. The second case 220 may beprovided to support a flat lower part of the first curved surfacesupport part 211, a flat lower part of the flat surface support part213, and a curved lower part of the second curved surface support part215. A battery upper part insertion hole may be defined in a part of theinside of the second case 220. The battery upper part insertion hole maybe aligned with the battery lower part insertion hole. Accordingly, thebattery upper part insertion hole may be biased from a vertical centerof the second case 220 in one direction (e.g., towards the first curvedsurface support part 211). According to exemplary embodiments, in thecase of the battery detachable type, the battery upper part insertionhole of the second case 220 may be exposed. A battery cover that coversan entire area including the battery upper part insertion hole may bedisposed at one side of the second case 220.

According to exemplary embodiments, in the electronic device 100, thefront case may be integrated with the rear case. In this case, thesecond case 220 may be a battery cover. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the electronic device 100 may include the built-in batterytype. In this case, the first case 210 may be integrated with the secondcase 220, and the battery cover may not be provided.

As described above, in the electronic device 100 according to exemplaryembodiments, the curvature of the second curved surface part 155 may begreater than the curvature of the first curved surface part 151, so thatan extended display area may be provided to a side of the electronicdevice 100. Furthermore, because the non-display area of the panelmodule disposed on the second curved surface part 155 is disposed underthe opaque layer, a display area may be extended on the basis of anextended panel module. Moreover, because the first curved surface part151 having a relatively low curvature (or no curvature) is provided, thefirst curved surface support part 211, which may be relatively thick, isprovided, so that the electronic device 100 may be more easily graspedby a user.

FIG. 2A is a magnified view of an edge area of the (second) curvedsurface part according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a part of the electronic device 100 may include apart of the display 150 (e.g., the flat surface part 153 and the secondcurved surface part 155 are illustrated), a part of the first case 210(e.g., the flat surface support part 213 and the second curved surfacesupport part 215 are illustrated), a part of the second case 220, and apart of a battery cover 250. The part of the electronic device 100 willbe described below with a focus on an area where the second curvedsurface part 155 is disposed. The shape of the second curved surfacepart 155 described below may also be applied to the first curved surfacepart 151.

The display 150 may include a panel module 40 related to display orcontrol of an image, glass 50 disposed on the panel module 40, an opaquelayer 52 (e.g., a black matrix or the like) disposed at one side of aback of an edge of the glass 50, an electromagnetic induction panel 53(e.g., a digitizer) disposed on or under the panel module 40, and aheat-dissipating sheet 55 (or a heating sheet). Additionally, anadhesive layer 51 may be disposed between the glass 50 and the panelmodule 40. A non-display area 44 b of the panel module 40 may be alignedunder the opaque layer 52 of the glass 50, so that the display 150 maybe provided with an extended display area 44 a.

The panel module 40 may include, for example, a touch sheet 41 (e.g.,the touch sensing layer), an adhesive layer 42, a polarizing sheet 43,and a display panel 44. The touch sheet 41 is described as an element ofthe panel module 40, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.According to exemplary embodiments, the touch sheet 41 may be an elementadditionally disposed on or under the panel module 40 to support a touchfunction.

The touch sheet 41 may support, for example, capacitive sensing. Thetouch sheet 41 may include a touch sensing area, in which signal linesfor sensing a touch are arranged in a matrix form, and a trace area forsupplying signals to touch sensing signal lines. According to anexemplary embodiment, the trace area may be formed on edges of bothsides of the touch sheet 41 or an edge of one side thereof. The tracearea may be included in, for example, the non-display area 44 b. Theadhesive layer 51 may be disposed on the touch sheet 41 so that thetouch sheet 41 may be bonded to the glass 50. According to exemplaryembodiments, the touch sensing signal line may be formed by atransparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. The trace area may beformed by an opaque metal electrode. The trace area may be disposed onthe first curved surface part 151 alone.

The adhesive layer 42 may be disposed between the touch sheet 41 and thepolarizing sheet 43 to fix the touch sheet 41 to the polarizing sheet43. The polarizing sheet 43 may serve to polarize light transmittedthrough the panel module 40. For example, the polarizing sheet 43 maypolarize light irradiated from the display panel outwardly in a regulardirection to improve the visibility or viewing angle. The polarizingsheet 43 may be bonded to the touch sheet 41 by the adhesive layer 42.The polarizing sheet 43 may be laminated with the display panel 44.According to exemplary embodiments, an adhesive layer may beadditionally disposed between the polarizing sheet 43 and the displaypanel 44. Alternatively, a polarizing pattern may be formed on a frontsurface of the display panel 44 to be integrated therewith.

The display panel 44 may have the type of a bendable sheet having acertain thickness. The display panel 44 may include an organiclight-emitting diode (OLED) or a liquid crystal display (LCD). Thedisplay panel 44 may have a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrixform. The display panel 44 may include, for example, the display area 44a, in which the plurality of pixels are arranged, and the non-displayarea 44 b, in which pads for supplying pixel control signals arearranged. The pads may be coupled to signal lines of a gate driver or adata driver.

The panel module 40 of the display 150 may include the display area 44 aand the non-display area 44 b (e.g., at least a part of an edge area ofthe panel module 40), in which pads or signal lines are arranged tosupply signals to the display area 44 a. The non-display area 44 b maybe disposed on at least a part of an edge area of the second curvedsurface part 155 of the display 150. The non-display area 44 b of thepanel module 40 disposed at an edge of the second curved surface part155 may be disposed under the opaque layer 52. According to exemplaryembodiments, the non-display area 44 b disposed at an edge of the panelmodule 40, which belongs to the first curved surface part 151, may bealigned under the opaque layer 52 disposed at an edge of the glass 50.

The electromagnetic induction panel 53 may be provided when theelectronic device 100 supports generation of an input event throughelectromagnetic induction by an electronic pen. Accordingly, theelectromagnetic induction panel 53 may not be provided if operation ofan additional electronic pen is unsupported by the electronic device100. The electromagnetic induction panel 53 may be disposed under thedisplay panel to support a function of receiving an input from anapproaching electronic pen.

The heat-dissipating sheet 55 may be disposed under the electromagneticinduction panel 53 and on the first case 210. The heat-dissipating sheet55 may dissipate heat generated from, for example, the display panel 44.According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat-dissipating sheet 55 maytransfer the heat generated from the display panel 44 to the first caseto dissipate the heat.

The glass 50 may be disposed on the panel module 40. The glass 50 mayserve to protect the panel module 40 from damage. The glass 50 may bemade of, for example, glass, acryl or transparent plastic. Asillustrated in FIG. 2A, an edge of the glass 50 may have a certaincurvature. An end of the glass 50 may be placed on, for example, thesecond curved surface support part 215 of the first case 210.

The opaque layer 52 may be disposed under an edge of the glass 50 toprevent light leakage and improve the visibility. The opaque layer 52may be printed on the back of the glass, or an additional film may beattached thereto as the opaque layer 52. The film may include a patternon one surface thereof, thereby improving aesthetics of the electronicdevice 100. The opaque layer 52 may be disposed on the entire edge ofthe glass 50 with a certain width. The opaque layer 52 may cover a partof the non-display area 44 b of the panel module 40. Therefore, thewidth of the opaque layer 52 may be determined according to the size orposition of the non-display area 44 b.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as seen in a normal direction to acurved surface of the glass, an end of the opaque layer 52 may beoutwardly extended in width (towards an upper side of the curvedsurface) from an active area (A/A) line that is a boundary between thenon-display area 44 b and the display area by a distance of A (e.g.,about 0.03 mm to about 0.3 mm). In the case in which the end of theopaque layer 52 is disposed inside the A/A line, a partial area of thedisplay may be covered by the opaque layer. Therefore, the end of theopaque layer 52 may be disposed outside the A/A line (towards the upperside of the curved surface), in which the opaque layer 52 may maintain aminimal width in consideration of an assembly tolerance. Therefore, atleast a portion of the lines of the panel module 40 arranged in thenon-display area 44 b (e.g., the signal supplying lines arranged in thetrace area of the touch sheet 41 or the area of the display panel 44, inwhich the pads or signal supplying lines are arranged) may be covered bythe opaque layer 52.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as seen at the front of theelectronic device 100, an inner end of the opaque layer 52 may be spacedapart (or extended) from the A/A line that is the boundary between thenon-display area 44 b and the display area by a distance of B (e.g.,about 0.5 mm).

When the panel is seen through the glass 50 at the front of theelectronic device 100, light emitted from the panel is refracted by theglass 50 so that an object appears to be located at a different positionwhen viewed from the outside of the glass 50. Therefore, as seen by auser at the front of the electronic device 100 (e.g., as seen by theuser viewing the front of the electronic device 100), the distanceB—designed to be larger than the distance A—appears to be a distance C(e.g., about 0.3 mm), which is smaller than the distance B. Therefore,the distance A becomes relatively similar to the distance C so that acertain amount of a non-active area around the display is evenly viewedwithout giving a sense of difference when the user views the front ofthe electronic device 100 or viewed in a normal direction to the curvedsurface, thereby evoking an aesthetic sense.

As described above, in a curved surface display area (e.g., the firstcurved surface part 151 or the second curved surface part 155) of thedisplay 150, the non-display area of the panel module 40 is disposedunder the opaque layer 52 so that an area (non-display area), which isnot displayed when the panel module 40 is observed through glass 50, maybe minimized.

As described above, the first case 210 may include the flat surfacesupport part 213 and the second curved surface support part 215contiguous to the flat surface support part 213. The second curvedsurface support part 215 may include a support body 215_1 contiguous tothe flat surface support part 213 and a curved surface cover part 215_2disposed at an end of the support body 215_1.

The support body 215_1 may include an upper surface bent with thecurvature of the second curved surface part 155 and a lower surfacefacing the second case 220. Accordingly, the support body 215_1 may bedisposed in parallel with the curved surface part of the display 150. Arail groove 216 a may be disposed in at least one side of the uppersurface of the support body 215_1. The rail groove 216 a may be formedto a predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the supportbody 215_1, with a certain width. According to an embodiment, the railgroove 216 a may be formed in at least a part of the entire uppersurface of the support body 215_1. A display protective member 240 maybe disposed inside the rail groove 216 a. The protective member 240 mayinclude a sponge or an adhesive tape. The protective member 240 mayserve to block moisture or dust from the inside of the electronic device100.

The curved surface cover part 215_2 may be disposed at an end of thesupport body 215_1, forming a certain angle with an extending directionof the support body 215_1. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecurved surface cover part 215_2 may be perpendicular to an end of thesupport body 215_1 and may protrude over the upper surface of thesupport body 215_1 in an outward direction (e.g., a direction to theglass 50). One sidewall of the curved surface cover part 215_2 may facea side surface of the display 150. A protruding end of the curvedsurface cover part 215_2 may have a height larger than that of thedisplay 150 placed on the one sidewall. Therefore, the curved surfacecover part 215_2 may absorb at least a portion of a shock on theelectronic device 100 when the electronic device 100 is dropped.

According to exemplary embodiments, the first case 210 may include abattery upper part insertion hole 218. The battery upper part insertionhole 218 may be disposed at the flat surface support part 213 in thefirst case 210 or may be disposed over the flat surface support part 213and the first surface support part 211.

The second case 220 supports the first case 210. A battery lower partinsertion hole 228 may be disposed in the second case 220. The batterylower part insertion hole 228 may be aligned with the battery upper partinsertion hole 218. According to an exemplary embodiment, an end of oneside of the second case 220 may face an inner side of the curved surfacecover part 215_2. Therefore, at least a part of the second case 220 maybe covered by an edge of the first case 210.

The battery cover 250 may cover a lower surface or an exposed surface ofthe second case 220. According to an exemplary embodiment, the batterycover 250 may cover the battery lower part insertion hole 228 disposedin the second case 220. An end of one side of the battery cover 250 maybe joined to the inner side of the curved surface cover part 215_2. Theinner side of the curved surface cover part 215_2 may have a multi-step.Therefore, an end of the second case 220 and an end of the battery cover250 may be stacked on the inner side of the curved surface cover part215_2. A surface of the battery cover 250 may be aligned in parallelwith one side of the curved surface cover part 215_2. According toexemplary embodiments, the battery cover 250 may be integrated with thesecond case 220, or may be integrated with the first and second cases210 and 220. In this instance, the battery cover 250 may be fixed to arear part of the electronic device 100 having the built-in battery typeto cover a battery.

FIG. 2B is a magnified view of a side of the (second) curved surfacepart according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a part of the electronic device 100 may include apart of the display 150 (e.g., the flat surface part 153 and the secondcurved surface part 155), a part of the first case 210, a part of thesecond case 220, and a part of a battery cover 250.

The first case 210 may include the support body 215_1 and the curvedsurface cover part 215_2. The curved surface cover part 215_2 mayinclude, for example, a first sidewall 215 a, a second sidewall 215 c, aconnection part 215 b, and a support groove 215 d.

The first sidewall 215 a may be contiguous to the support body 215_1,and may protrude over the upper surface of the support body 215_1 by acertain distance. Ends of some elements of the display 150, for example,the electromagnetic induction panel 53 and the heat-dissipating sheet55, may be arranged on a side surface of the first sidewall 215 a. Thesecond sidewall 215 c may be spaced apart from the first sidewall 215 bya distance of a width of the support groove 215 d. The second sidewall215 c may protrude over a surface of the glass 50 of the display 150. Anend of the glass 50 may be disposed on a side surface of the secondsidewall 215 c. According to exemplary embodiments, an end of the opaquelayer 52 may be disposed on a side surface of the second sidewall 215 c.The connection part 215 b connects bottoms of the first and secondsidewalls 215 a, 215 c to form the support groove 215 d. Ends of someelements of the display 150, for example, an end of the panel module 40may be disposed on a surface of the connection part 215 b, which isopened by the support groove 215 d. Some parts of the display 150, forexample, a part of an edge area of the panel module 40 may be insertedinto the support groove 215 d. For example, the non-display area 44 b ofthe panel module 40 may be inserted into the support groove 215 d.According to an exemplary embodiment, the support groove 215 d may havedepth that is the same as depth of the non-display area 44 b, or mayhave a depth larger than the depth of the non-display area 44 b by apredetermined distance. According to exemplary embodiments, the panelmodule 40, the electromagnetic induction panel 53, and theheat-dissipating sheet 55 may be arranged in the support groove 215 d.

The display 150 may include the panel module 40 that protrudes over theglass 50 in a bending direction of the second curved surface part 155.For example, the panel module 40 may disposed that an edge of the secondcurved surface part 155 protrudes over an end of the glass 50 by acertain distance (e.g., the width of the non-display area 44 b). Theprotruding panel module 40 may be inserted into the support groove 215d.

As described above, because the non-display area 44 b of the panelmodule 40 is inserted into the support groove 215 d, an additionalopaque layer may not be provided to the display 150. In addition, a railgroove 216 b for receiving the display protective member 240 may bedisposed in at least a portion of the first sidewall 215 a or one sideof the support body 215_1 under the panel module 40 or theheat-dissipating sheet.

FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating the (second) curved surface supportpart according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2C, the second curved surface support part 215 mayinclude the support body 215_1 and the curved surface cover part 215_2.The curved surface cover part 215_2 may include, for example, aconnection part 215 g disposed at one end of the upper surface of thesupport body 215_1 forming a certain angle (e.g., a right angle or anacute angle) with the upper surface of the support body 215_1 and asidewall 215 f (compared to FIG. 2B, the sidewall 215 a is removed). Inthis case, the elements of the display 150, except for the glass 50, maybe arranged in a support groove 215 e formed by the connection part 215g and the sidewall 215 f. For example, the panel module 40, theelectromagnetic induction panel 53, and the heat-dissipating sheet 55may be arranged in the support groove 215 e. The display 150 may beprovided with the panel module 40 protruding over an end of the glass 50by a certain distance (e.g., the width of the non-display area 44 b),the electromagnetic induction panel 53 disposed in parallel with thepanel module 40, and the heat-dissipating sheet 55.

A rail groove 216 c for receiving the display protective member 240 maybe disposed in at least one side of the upper surface of the supportbody 215_1. The rail groove 216 c may extend to the inside of thesupport groove 215 e.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a front view of a part of anelectronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the part of the electronic device may include thefirst case 210, an adhesive member 230, and the protective member 240.

The first case 210 may be, for example, a front case of the electronicdevice. The first case 210 may be made of, for example, a metallicmaterial. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the battery upper part insertionhole 218 may be formed inside the first case 210. The battery upper partinsertion hole 218 may be biased to one side with respect to a verticalcenter line of the first case 210, as illustrated in FIG. 3A.

The adhesive member 230 may include a first adhesive area 231 of acertain thickness disposed at an upper edge of the first case 210, asecond adhesive area 233 of a certain thickness disposed at an edge of aside part (e.g., a left side part) of the first case 210, and a thirdadhesive area 235 of a certain thickness disposed at an edge of a lowerpart of the first case 210. The first to third adhesive areas 231, 233and 235 may be connected to each other. The first to third adhesivelayers 231, 233 and 235 may serve to fix the display 150 to the firstcase 210. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second adhesive area233 may be disposed under an area where the first curved surface part151 of the display 150 is disposed. For example, the second adhesivearea 233 may serve to fix the first curved surface part 151 of thedisplay 150 to the first case 210. A part of an edge of a side part(right side) of the first adhesive area 231 may be disposed at an edgeof a side part (right side) of the first case 210. A part of an edge ofa side part (right side) of the third adhesive area 235 may be disposedat an edge of a side part (right side) of the first case 210. Accordingto exemplary embodiments, the adhesive member 230 may include the firstadhesive area 231 and the third adhesive area 235.

The protective member 240 may be disposed at an edge of a side part(e.g., a right side part) of the first case 210 with a certain width.According to exemplary embodiments, the protective member 240 may be asponge or an adhesive tape.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of an electronicdevice according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the electronic device may include the display 150,the first case 210, the adhesive member 230, and the protective member240.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the display 150 may include the first curvedsurface part 151, the flat surface part 153, and the second curvedsurface part 155. A speaker hole 157 for exposing a speaker (or areceiver) and a button hole 159 for exposing a home button may bearranged at one side of the display 150.

The first case 210 may include the first curved surface support part 211of which a surface that faces (e.g., opposes) the first curved surfacepart 151 has a curvature similar to the curvature of the first curvedsurface part 151, the second curved surface support part 215 of which asurface that faces (e.g., opposes) the second curved surface part 155has a curvature similar to the curvature of the second curved surfacepart 155, and the flat surface support part 213 of which an area thatfaces (e.g., opposes) the flat surface part 153 defines the batteryupper part insertion hole 218. According to exemplary embodiments, anantenna pattern may be disposed on an upper part or a lower part of thefirst case 210.

The second curved surface support part 215 of the first case 210 mayinclude, for example, a second curved surface support area 2155, onwhich a part of an upper side of the adhesive member 230 is disposed, afirst curved surface support area 2151, on which a part of a lower sideof the adhesive member 230 is disposed, and a third curved surfacesupport area 2153, connecting the second curved surface support area2155 to the first curved surface support area 2151. The rail groove 216for receiving the protective member 240 may be disposed in the curvedsurface support area 2153.

The adhesive member 230, which is continuously disposed on an upper partof the display 150 (or the second curved surface support area 2155 andan upper side of the flat surface support part 213), an edge of thefirst curved surface part 151, and a lower part of the display 150 (orthe first curved surface support area 2151 and a lower side of the flatsurface support part 213), may be shaped like a “C”. According toexemplary embodiments, the adhesive member 230 may be only disposed onan upper part of the display 150 and a lower part of the display 150. Asdescribed above, the adhesive member 230 may be disposed on at least apart of a circumference of the first case 210.

The protective member 240 may be disposed on the second curved surfacesupport part 215 (e.g., a location where the second curved surface part155 of the display 150 is disposed) with a certain length. According toan exemplary embodiment, the protective member 240 may have a lengthcorresponding to a length of the third curved surface support area 2153.The protective member 240 may be placed in the rail groove 216 disposedin the third curved surface support area 2153.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a back of an electronic deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, as illustrated in a state 401, the back of theelectronic device 100 may include a battery placing part 280 provided byaligning the battery upper part insertion hole and the battery lowerpart insertion hole disposed in the first and second cases 210 and 220respectively. The battery placing part 280 may be biased leftwards withrespect to a vertical center line of the electronic device 100. Forexample, as illustrated in a state 403, a battery 300 may be biased to aleft side of the electronic device 100. For example, the battery 300 maybe biased to the first curved surface part 151 of the display 150 or thefirst curved surface support part 211 of the first case 210.Accordingly, a location where the battery 300 is placed may alter acenter of gravity of the electronic device 100 away from a center lineof the electronic device. Therefore, the electronic device 100 may havea tendency to fall in a direction in line with the center of gravityaltered by the location of the battery 300.

FIG. 5 illustrates falling states of an electronic device according toan exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, as illustrated in a state 501, in the case in whichthe electronic device 100 is dropped from a height, with the back of theelectronic device facing downwards (e.g., with the display 150 facingupwards), a part of the electronic device including the first curvedsurface part 151 (or a part where the battery 300 is disposed) mayrotate downwards. Therefore, a rear part of the first curved surfacepart 151 in which the battery 300 is disposed (e.g., the first curvedsurface support part 211 of the first case 210 or an area of the secondcase 220 coupled to the first curved surface support part 211) may bemore likely to impact the ground. Because an area including the firstcurved surface part 151, for which a case is relatively thick, impactsthe ground, a shock is absorbed by the case so that damage to the secondcurved surface part 155 may be prevented.

According to exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in a state 503, inthe case in which the electronic device 100 is dropped from a heightwith the front side facing downwards (e.g., with the display 150 facingdownwards), a part of the electronic device including the first curvedsurface part 151 (or a part where the battery 300 is disposed) mayrotate downwards. Therefore, a front part of the first curved surfacepart 151 in which the battery 300 is disposed or the first case 210covering the first curved surface part 151 may be more likely to impactthe ground. Because an area including the first curved surface part 151,of which the curvature is relatively low or for which a thickness of aside of a thickness is larger than that for the second curved surfacepart 155, impacts the ground, a shock is absorbed by the case so thatdamage to the second curved surface part 155 may be prevented.

FIG. 6 illustrates a case on which a display is placed according to anexemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the display 150 may include the first curvedsurface part 151, the flat surface part 153, and the second curvedsurface part 155. The display 150 may be disposed on a front surface ofthe first case 210. The first curved surface part 210 may include curvedsurface support parts having curvatures corresponding to those of thefirst and second curved surface parts 151 and 155.

According to exemplary embodiments, a guard 219 may be disposed at anedge of an end of the second curved surface support part 215 of thefirst case 210. The guard 219 may cover an edge of the second curvedsurface part 155. Furthermore, the guard 219 may protrude over a surfaceof the second curved surface part 155 by a certain distance.Alternatively, in the case where an adhesive member is interposedbetween the display 150 and the first case 210, the guard 219 mayprotrude over a surface of the display 150. Therefore, the guard 219 mayprevent the second curved surface part 155 of the electronic device 100from being damaged when contacting another object, for example when freefalling.

FIG. 7 illustrates a part of an electronic device in which a reinforcingmember is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device may include the display 150,the first case 210, the second case 220, and the battery cover 250. Apart of the display 150 may include, for example, the flat surface part153 and the second curved surface part 155. The second curved surfacepart 155 may be bent to a certain curvature. The second curved surfacepart 155 may be disposed on the second curved surface support part 215of the first case 210. According to an exemplary embodiment, an end ofthe second curved surface part 155 may face a side surface of the curvedsurface cover part 215_2.

The first case 210 may include the support body 215_1 and the curvedsurface cover part 215_2. The support body 215_1 may support the secondcurved part 155 of the display 150. The curved surface cover part 215_2,contiguous to the support body 215_1, may support an end of the display150.

According to exemplary embodiments, an auxiliary groove 201 having acertain width may be disposed in a longitudinal direction in at leastone of surfaces of the curved surface cover part 215_2 exposed to theoutside. A reinforcing member 202 may be disposed in the auxiliarygroove 201. The auxiliary groove 201 may be opened in a direction inwhich the second curved surface part 155 of the display 150 extendswhile being bent.

The reinforcing member 202 may be placed in the auxiliary groove 201formed in the curved surface cover part 215_2. A thickness of thereinforcing member 202 may be larger than a depth of the auxiliarygroove 201. Therefore, the reinforcing member 202 may protrude over anend of an opening of the auxiliary groove 201. According to exemplaryembodiments, at least a part of an outer surface of the reinforcingmember 202 may be rounded. The reinforcing member 202 may include amaterial capable of absorbing a shock due to contact with an object. Forexample, the reinforcing member 202 may be formed of at least one of anon-metallic material or a metallic material. The reinforcing member 202may have a mesh structure for increasing a shock absorbing rate.

FIG. 8 illustrates a part of an electronic device in which a shockabsorbing member is disposed according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device may include the display 150,the first case 210, the second case 220, and the battery cover 250. Thedisplay 150 may include the flat surface part 153 and the second curvedsurface part 155. The first case 210 may include the second curvedsurface support part 215 corresponding to the second curved surface part155. The second curved surface support part 215 may include the supportbody 215_1 and the curved surface cover part 215_2.

According to exemplary embodiments, a rail groove 203 may be disposed ina longitudinal direction in a side surface of the curved surface coverpart 215_2 (e.g., a surface facing an end of the display 150). A shockabsorbing member 204 may be disposed in the rail groove 203. The shockabsorbing member 204 may include various materials and structures fordispersing or absorbing an external or internal shock. For example, theshock absorbing member 204 may be formed as a solid (the inside of whichis filled) using rubber, flexible plastic, or mixtures thereof.Furthermore, the shock absorbing member 204 may be formed of anon-metallic material or a metallic material, and may have a meshstructure.

According to exemplary embodiments, a width of the rail groove 203 mayhave an opening width (e.g., a thickness of the display 150 except forthe glass 50) similar to a width of a side surface of the curved surfacecover part 215_2. In this case, the shock absorbing member 204 disposedin the rail groove 203 may prevent the panel module 40, theelectromagnetic induction panel 53 and the heat-dissipating sheet 55 ofthe display 150 from being damaged.

According to exemplary embodiments, the electronic device may employboth the reinforcing member structure of FIG. 7 and the shock absorbingmember structure of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 illustrates examples of the shape of a curved surface partaccording to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 9, as illustrated in a state 901, the second curvedsurface part 155 of the display 150 may bent to have a protruding amountthat is the same as the protruding amount (e.g., about 0.05 mm to about0.3 mm) of a flat surface part of the display 150 (on the basis of ahorizontal line of the flat surface part). Alternatively, as illustratedin a state 903, the second curved surface part 155 of the display 150may have a protruding amount (e.g., about 0.3 mm to about 0.5 mm) thatis larger than the protruding amount of the flat surface part.Alternatively, as illustrated in a state 905, the curved part mayfurther protrude compared to the flat surface part. Alternatively, asillustrated in a state 907, the second curved surface part 155 of thedisplay 150 may gradually decrease in a side part protruding amountcompared to the flat surface part.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the curvature of the second curvedsurface part 155 may be adjusted so that at least a part of an end ofthe second curved surface part 155 has a straight line section or astraight-line-like curve section (e.g., a part of a curve having aradius larger than a predetermined value) to stably press the secondcurved surface part 155 of the display 150 against the curved surfacesupport part of the first case 210 for the purpose of easy assembling ofthe display 150. The curved surface support part of the first case 210(e.g., an end of the curved surface support part) may have a flatsurface to correspond to the straight line section of the second curvedsurface part 155 (e.g., a part of an end of the second curved surfacepart 155). For example, at an interface area between the support bodyand the curved surface cover part, at least a part of the support partmay have a flat surface.

According to exemplary embodiments, the curved surface support part ofthe first case 210 may have a protruding amount or a curvaturecorresponding to the curvature or the protruding amount of the secondcurved surface part 155 mentioned above with respect to the states 901to 907. Alternatively, the curved surface support part of the first case210 may have the same curvature regardless of the curvature or theprotruding amount of the second curved surface part 155.

FIG. 10 illustrates an electronic device having a symmetric curvedsurface structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, as illustrated in a state 1001, a display 1150 ofthe electronic device 100 may include a first curved surface part 1151,a flat surface part 1153, and a second curved surface part 1155. Thefirst and second curved surface parts 1151 and 1155 may have the samecurvature. For example, the first curved surface part 1151 may besymmetric with the second curved surface part 1155 with respect to avertical center line of the flat surface part 1153. Furthermore, asillustrated in a state 1003, the electronic device 100 may include thedisplay 1150 of which both curved surface parts are symmetric with eachother, a first case 1210, and a second case 1220. The first case 1210may include a first curved surface support part 1211 supporting thefirst curved surface part 1151, a flat surface support part 1213supporting the flat surface part, and a second curved surface supportpart 1215 supporting the second curved surface part 1155. An uppersurface of the first curved surface support part 1211 may have acurvature similar to that of the first curved surface part 1151. Anupper surface of the second curved surface support part 1215 may have acurvature similar to that of the second curved surface part 1155.Therefore, the first case 1210 may have an upper surface of which bothside edges are symmetric with each other with respect to a verticalcenter line of the electronic device 100. The second case 1220 may bedisposed under the first case 1210 to support the first case 1210.

FIG. 11 illustrates a reinforcing structure of an electronic devicehaving a symmetric curved surface structure according to an exemplaryembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, as illustrated in a state 1101, the first case1210 of the electronic device 100 may include the first curved surfacesupport part 1211, the flat surface support part 1213, and the secondcurved surface support part 1215. The first and second curved surfacesupport parts 1211 and 1215 may be symmetric with each other withrespect to a vertical center line of the electronic device 100. An uppersurface of the first curved surface support part 1211 and an uppersurface of the second curved surface support part 1215 may have the sameor similar curvature.

A battery upper part insertion hole 1218 may be disposed inside the flatsurface support part 1213. A vertical length of the battery upper partinsertion hole 1218 may be larger than a horizontal length thereof.According to exemplary embodiments, the battery upper part insertionhole 1218 may be biased to one side with respect to a center line of theelectronic device 100. According to an exemplary embodiment, an area ofthe battery upper part insertion hole 1218 biased to the first curvedsurface support part 1211 may be larger than an area of the batteryupper part insertion hole 1218 biased to the second curved surfacesupport part 1215.

According to exemplary embodiments, a damage prevention member 1100 maybe disposed at an edge of the first case 1210. The damage preventionmember 1100 may protrude by a certain distance along an edge of thefirst curved surface support part 1211 and an edge of the second curvedsurface support part 1215. A height of the damage prevention member 1100may be larger than that of a surface of the display 1150 by a certaindistance after the display 1150 is placed. For example, as illustratedin a state 1103, the damage prevention member 1100 may protrude over thefirst curved surface part 1151 or the second curved surface part 1155 ofthe display 1150.

Referring to the state 1103, the electronic device 100 may include thefirst and second curved surface parts 1151 and 1155 symmetric with eachother with respect to a center line of the electronic device, and theflat surface part 1153 disposed between the first and second curvedsurface parts 1151 and 1155. The first and second curved surface parts1151 and 1155 may have the same or similar curvature.

The first curved surface support part 1211 may be disposed under thefirst curved surface part 1151 to support the first curved surface part1151. The second curved surface support part 1215 may be disposed underthe second curved surface part 1155 to support the second curved surfacepart 1155. The flat surface support part 1213 may support a center partof the display 1150, for example, the flat surface part. At least a partof the battery 300 may be disposed in the battery upper part insertionhole 1218 illustrated in the state 1101. When the second case 1220 isjoined to the first case 1210, the battery upper part insertion hole1218 may be aligned with the battery lower part insertion hole of thesecond case 1220 to form a battery placing part. The battery 300 may beplaced in the battery placing part. The battery placing part may bebiased to the first curved surface part 1151 or the first curved surfacesupport part 1211. Therefore, the battery 300 may be biased towards thefirst curved surface support part 1211.

Although it has been described that the damage prevention member 1100 isdisposed on the first and second curved support parts 1211 and 1215, thedamage prevention member 1100 may be disposed on the first curvedsupport part 1211 alone. Alternatively, the damage prevention member1100 disposed on the first curved surface support part 1211 may differin structure or material from the damage prevention member 1100 disposedon the second curved surface support part 1215 to prevent damage to thefirst curved surface part 1151 due to the biased positioning of thebattery 300. For example, the damage prevention member 1100 disposed onthe first curved surface support part 1211 may employ a material orstructure of which a shock absorbing amount is larger than that of thedamage prevention member 1100 disposed on the second curved surfacesupport part 1215.

FIG. 12 illustrates a wearable device including a curved surface displayarea according to an exemplary embodiment.

As described above, according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a mobile electronic device may include a display including aflat area and a curved surface area extending from the flat area as onepiece therewith, the curved surface area being bent towards one side ofthe flat area, the curved surface area having a size smaller than thatof the flat area, and a case disposed along an edge of the display, atleast a part of the case protruding over a surface of the curved surfacearea, wherein the display may include an external protective layerformed in a shape corresponding to that of the flat area and the curvedarea, an opaque area disposed at a part of an edge of the curved surfacearea under the external protective layer, and a panel module disposedunder the external protective layer, the panel module having a displayarea and a non-display area disposed at one side of the display area,wherein a flat-area-side end of the opaque layer and a flat-area-sideend of the non-display area are vertically aligned at the edge of thecurved surface area so that the opaque layer covers an entirety of thenon-display area.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the opaquelayer may be disposed on the non-display area such that a vertical linethat connects the flat-area-side end of the opaque layer to theflat-area-side end of the non-display area is inclined at the edge ofthe curved surface area towards the flat area.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the opaquelayer may be disposed on the non-display area such that the verticalline that connects the flat-area-side end of the opaque layer to theflat-area-side end of the non-display area is inclined at the edge ofthe curved surface area towards the flat area from a designated angle atwhich the vertical line is inclined towards the edge of the curvedsurface area.

According to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, a mobileelectronic device may include a display including a flat area and acurved surface area extending from the flat area as one piece therewith,the curved surface area being bent towards one side of the flat area,the curved surface area having a size smaller than that of the flatarea, and a case disposed along an edge of the display, at least a partof the case protruding over a surface of the curved surface area. Here,the display may include an external protective layer formed in a shapecorresponding to that of the flat area and the curved surface area, anopaque area disposed at a part of an edge of the curved surface areaunder the external protective layer, and a panel module disposed underthe external protective layer, the panel module having a display areaand a non-display area, the display area being disposed over the flatarea and a part of the curved surface area, the non-display area beingdisposed at the other part of the curved surface area, wherein theopaque layer may cover an entirety of the non-display area with respectto a vertical direction to the flat area at the edge of the curvedsurface area.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least apart of an end of the curved surface area of the external protectivelayer and at least a part of an end of the panel module are arranged inparallel with each other in the display.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the curvedsurface area may be convex with respect to the flat area.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the mobileelectronic device may include an adhesive member disposed under the flatarea of the display, the adhesive member being selectively disposedunder at least a part of the curved surface area of the display.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a mobileelectronic device may include a display including a flat area and acurved surface area extending from the flat area as one piece therewith,the curved surface area being bent towards one side of the flat area,the curved surface area having a size smaller than that of the flatarea, and a case disposed along an edge of the display, at least a partof the case protruding over a surface of the curved surface area,wherein the display may include an external protective layer formed in ashape corresponding to that of the flat area and the curved surfacearea, and a panel module disposed under the external protective layer,the panel module having a display area and a non-display area, thedisplay area being disposed over the flat area and a part of the curvedarea, the non-display area being disposed at the other part of thecurved area. Here, an end of the panel module including at least a partof the non-display area may further extend than an end of the curvedsurface area of the external protective layer so as to be inserted intoa support groove formed in one side of the case.

Referring to FIG. 12, an electronic device 1200 may be a wearabledevice. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 1200may include a display 2150 that may be divided into a first curvedsurface part 2151, a flat surface part 2153, and a second curved surfacepart 2155. The first curved surface part 2151, the flat surface part2153, and the second curved surface part 2155 may be continuouslyarranged. The first and second curved surface parts 2151 and 2155 may becurved surface display areas having different curvatures. The secondcurved surface part 2155 may have a greater curvature than a curvatureof the first curved surface part 2151.

According to exemplary embodiments, the electronic device 1200 mayinclude a joining part 2700 to which a device including the display 2150may be detachably attached. The joining part 2700 may be wearable on atleast a part of a body of a user. The joining part 2700 may include aplacing part to which the display 2150 may be detachably attached. Thejoining part 2700 may further include a connection part coupled to thejoining part 2700 at a side part of the display 2150 (e.g., a left sidepart of the first curved surface part 2151 and a right side part of thesecond curved surface part 2155). The above-mentioned guard may bedisposed at an edge of the display 2150.

As described above, an electronic device according to exemplaryembodiments may provide a display including a curved surface displayarea or a curved surface part on at least one of edge areas thereof, andan extended display area of the display by aligning and disposing anon-display area of the display (e.g., a non-display area of a panelmodule) under an opaque layer. In exemplary embodiments, an area of thedisplay excepting glass (e.g., the non-display area of the panel module)may be inserted into a groove formed in one side of a case, and thedisplay without the opaque layer may be provided. The groove may supportstrong bonding between the curved surface display area and the case.

A member such as a sponge may be disposed between the curved surfacedisplay area and the case to block moisture or dust and relieve a shock.

Furthermore, an area where a battery is disposed is biased to one sidefrom a center line of the case so that the curved surface display areahaving a relatively low curvature or a non-curved surface display area(or an adjacent case) lands on the ground when the electronic device isdropped, thereby preventing damage to the electronic device. Here, adamage prevention member may be disposed on the non-curved surfacedisplay area or a display area having a relatively low curvature.

Regarding damage prevention, a case covering the curved surface displayarea may include a guard protruding over a surface of the display froman edge of the curved surface display area. Furthermore, a shockabsorbing member may be disposed on at least one side of the case of thecurved surface display area (e.g., at least one groove).

According to exemplary embodiments, an end of the curved surface displayarea may be deprived of curvature (straightened) to support easy joiningto a case.

As described above, according to exemplary embodiments, the display mayinclude glass having an edge at least a part of which has a certaincurvature, an opaque layer disposed at the edge of the glass, and apanel module including a non-display area aligned under the opaquelayer.

According to exemplary embodiments, the panel module may include a flatsurface part and a curved surface part contiguous to the flat surfacepart, wherein the non-display area may be disposed at an edge of thecurved surface part.

According to exemplary embodiments, an end of one side of the opaquelayer and an end of the non-display area may be vertically aligned witheach other.

According to exemplary embodiments, an end of one side of the opaquelayer may vertically protrude over an end of the non-display area.

According to exemplary embodiments, the display may further include anadhesive layer disposed between the glass and the panel module.

According to exemplary embodiments, the display may further include atleast one of an electromagnetic induction panel disposed under the panelmodule with a certain curvature and a heat-dissipating sheet disposedunder the electromagnetic induction panel with a certain curvature.

According to exemplary embodiments, the glass and the panel module mayinclude a first curved surface part having a first curvature, a flatsurface part contiguous to the first curved surface part, and a secondcurved surface part contiguous to the flat surface part, the secondcurved surface part having a second curvature different from the firstcurvature.

According to exemplary embodiments, the glass and the panel module mayinclude a first curved surface part having a first curvature, a flatsurface part contiguous to the first curved surface part, and a secondcurved surface part contiguous to the flat surface part, the secondcurved surface part having the first curvature.

As described above, according to exemplary embodiments, an electronicdevice may include a display of glass having an edge at least a part ofwhich has a certain curvature, an opaque layer disposed at the edge ofthe glass, and a panel module including a non-display area aligned underthe opaque layer, and a case supporting the display.

According to exemplary embodiments, the case may include a groove intowhich the non-display area is inserted.

According to exemplary embodiments, the case may further include a railgroove formed in a longitudinal direction in a surface of the casefacing the display and a protective member inserted into the railgroove.

According to exemplary embodiments, the case may further include a guardcovering an edge of the display placed on the case, the guard protrudingover a surface of the display by a certain distance.

According to exemplary embodiments, the case may further include anauxiliary groove formed in at least a part of a surface of the caseexposed to the outside, and a reinforcing member disposed in theauxiliary groove to absorb or disperse a shock.

According to exemplary embodiments, the case may further include acurved surface support part facing an end of the display, a rail groovedisposed in a side surface of the curved surface support part whilefacing the display, and a shock absorbing member disposed in the railgroove.

According to exemplary embodiments, the case may further include abattery placing part biased to a non-curved surface display area or anedge curved surface part having a lower curvature than that of thecurved surface display area, with respect to a center line.

According to exemplary embodiments, an end of the curved surface displayarea of the display may be straightened by as much as a certain width.

According to exemplary embodiments, a case upper surface facing an endof the curved surface display area of the display may have a flatsurface with a certain width.

According to exemplary embodiments, the electronic device may furtherinclude an adhesive member disposed on at least a part of an edgebetween the display and the case.

According to exemplary embodiments, the electronic device may be awearable device.

As described above, according to exemplary embodiments, an electronicdevice including a curved surface display area may include a display ofglass having an edge at least a part of which has a certain curvatureand a panel module protruding over an end of the glass, the panel moduleincluding a non-display area, and a case including a groove into whichthe non-display area is inserted.

According to exemplary embodiments, the electronic device may furtherinclude an opaque layer formed to a certain width at an end of theglass.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a displayarea may be substantially extended, while maintaining the size of anelectronic device by adopting a curved surface display area and treatingan edge area.

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrative andnot limiting. Various alternatives and equivalents are possible. Otheradditions, subtractions, or modifications will be understood by theskilled artisan in view of the present disclosure and are intended tofall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile electronic device comprising: a displaycomprising: a flat area; and a curved surface area extending from theflat area as one piece therewith, the curved surface area being benttowards one side of the flat area, the curved surface area having a sizesmaller than a size of the flat area; and a case disposed along an edgeof the display, at least a part of the case protruding over a surface ofthe curved surface area, wherein the display comprises: an externalprotective layer formed in a shape corresponding to the flat area andthe curved surface area; an opaque area disposed at a part of an edge ofthe curved surface area under the external protective layer; and a panelmodule disposed under the external protective layer, the panel modulecomprising a display area and a non-display area, the display area beingdisposed over the flat area and a first part of the curved surface area,the non-display area being disposed at a second part of the curvedsurface area other than the first part of the curved surface area,wherein the opaque layer covers an entirety of the non-display area withrespect to a vertical direction to the flat area at the edge of thecurved surface area, and wherein the case comprises: a battery placingpart biased in a direction away from the second part of the curvedsurface area with respect to a vertical center line of the mobileelectronic device; a rail groove formed in a longitudinal direction in asurface of the case facing a back of an edge side of the display; aprotective member inserted into the rail groove.
 2. The mobileelectronic device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of anend of the curved surface area of the external protective layer and atleast a part of an end of the panel module are arranged in parallel witheach other in the display.
 3. The mobile electronic device according toclaim 1, wherein the case further comprises: a support groove configuredto receive insertion of the non-display area; and a sidewallconstituting a part of the support groove, the sidewall facing a sidesurface of an edge of the external protective layer.
 4. The mobileelectronic device according to claim 1, wherein the display furthercomprises at least one of: an electromagnetic induction panel disposedon the curved surface area, the electromagnetic induction panel having acertain curvature; a heat-dissipating sheet disposed on the curvedsurface area, the heat-dissipating sheet having a certain curvature; anda touch sensing layer interposed between the external protective layerand the panel module, the touch sensing layer being bent at the curvedsurface area.
 5. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1,wherein the curved surface area is convex with respect to the flat area.6. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the casefurther comprises: an auxiliary groove formed in at least a part of asurface of the case exposed to an outside of the mobile electronicdevice; and a reinforcing member disposed in the auxiliary grooveconfigured to absorb or disperse a shock.
 7. The mobile electronicdevice according to claim 1, wherein the case comprises a shockabsorbing member disposed on one surface of a curved surface cover partfacing an end of the edge of the display.
 8. The mobile electronicdevice according to claim 1, further comprising: an adhesive memberdisposed under the flat area of the display, the adhesive member beingselectively disposed under at least a part of the curved surface area ofthe display.
 9. The mobile electronic device according to claim 1,wherein the curved surface area is formed on edges of both sides of thedisplay.
 10. A mobile electronic device comprising: a displaycomprising: a flat area; and a curved surface area extending from theflat area as one piece therewith, the curved surface area being benttowards one side of the flat area, the curved surface area having a sizesmaller than a size of the flat area; and a case disposed along an edgeof the display, at least a part of the case protruding over a surface ofthe curved surface area, wherein the display comprises: an externalprotective layer formed in a shape corresponding to the flat area andthe curved surface area; and a panel module disposed under the externalprotective layer, the panel module comprising a display area and anon-display area, the display area being disposed over the flat area anda first part of the curved surface area, the non-display area beingdisposed at a second part of the curved surface area other than thefirst part of the curved surface area, wherein the case comprises: arail groove formed in a longitudinal direction in a surface of the casefacing a back of an edge side of the display; a protective memberinserted into the rail groove; and a battery placing part biased towardsthe first part of the curved surface area having a curvature differentfrom a curvature of the second part of the curved surface area ortowards an edge of the flat area not adjacent to the second part of thecurved surface area, with respect to a vertical center line of themobile electronic device, and wherein an end of the panel modulecomprising at least a part of the non-display area extends further thanan end of the curved surface area of the external protective layer andconfigured to be inserted into a support groove formed in one side ofthe case.
 11. The mobile electronic device according to claim 10,wherein the display further comprises at least one of: anelectromagnetic induction panel disposed on the curved surface area, theelectromagnetic induction panel having a certain curvature; aheat-dissipating sheet disposed on the curved surface area, theheat-dissipating sheet having a certain curvature; and a touch sensinglayer interposed between the external protective layer and the panelmodule, the touch sensing layer being bent at the curved surface area.12. The mobile electronic device according to claim 10, furthercomprising: an adhesive member disposed on at least a part of an areaunder the flat area of the display, the adhesive member beingselectively disposed under at least a part of the curved surface area ofthe display.
 13. The mobile electronic device according to claim 10,wherein the case further comprises at least one of: a reinforcing memberdisposed on at least a part of a surface of the case exposed to anoutside of the mobile electronic device configured to absorb or dispersea shock; and a shock absorbing member disposed on one surface of acurved surface cover part facing an end of the edge of the display. 14.The mobile electronic device of claim 1, wherein the protective membercomprises at least one of a sponge and an adhesive tape.
 15. The mobileelectronic device of claim 10, wherein the protective member comprisesat least one of a sponge and an adhesive tape.